Traffic jam on Chattogram streets amid lockdown
Congestions on roads also increase the chance of Covid-19 transmission
Station Road is one of the busiest streets in Chattogram city. At around 11am on Wednesday, both sides of it were crowded with rickshaws, private vehicles and goods-laden cars.
The traffic congestion was so heavy that it could make anyone forget that the country is under a lockdown to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Like the usual times, there were large queues of vehicles, which could also increase the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
After visiting a number of spots like Dewan Hat intersection, New Market intersection, Kadamtali, Agrabad Barek Building and Majhir Ghat, this correspondent saw massive traffic congestions on roads.
The traffic department said people go to Station Road to purchase vegetables and other consumable goods at wholesale price, and this might have caused the traffic jam.
"Everyone is rushing to market as they have a limited time to buy goods during this lockdown. Besides, Riazuddin market is a famous wholesale market," said Md Shahid Ullah, deputy police commissioner (north) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police.
"So, there is traffic congestion in the area and we are trying our best to reduce it," added the police official.
Pulok Chakma, inspector (traffic) of Kotwali zone, said, "Several cars have been seized and nine cases were filed this morning."